When I look in the eyes of my students I see so much. Unlimited potential, energy, hopes and dreams, self-doubt, and anxiety.

No one is immune from stress. All ages, socio-economic levels, cultures, and genders experience it. If our students could only see what we see in them maybe they’d be more hopeful.

Teaching and education has changed a great deal over the last 32 years. I’m sorry but take away all the laptops, hundreds of emails per day, meetings, speciality trainings, and required committees we might be able to actually strengthen our relationships with our students.

Studies have proven that a healthy trusted relationship with an adult at school can make a huge difference in how a student feels about school and themselves. The statistics show that almost a third of our students have experienced some sort of trauma.

Trauma doesn’t have to be excessive or extreme. But, enough that children have difficulty bonding, communicating, trusting, and sadly liking themselves. It is no wonder that more children than ever are having academic and behavioral issues at school.

Students who get straight A’s, cheerleaders, athletes, performing artists, and the disconnected all struggle with stress and anxiety of some kind at some point in their educational careers.

So, what do we do about the state of our children’s state of mind?

Educational systems are now starting to respond to our students’ mental health in various ways. Social Emotion Learning and Mindfulness studies are offering students a way to reconnect with their inner wisdom and teach tools to recognize negative self-talk.

Data directly from student surveys and questionnaires, confirm that they are craving help. They are not numb to their disconnection with themselves and others. Help with school stress, exam anxiety, anger, self-doubt, depression, and feeling judged are common themes of concern.

Classes taught by a qualified Mindfulness teacher help students feel safe enough to eventually share their feelings. They discover they are not alone. Mindfulness concepts and meditations give students tools and skills. They eventually grasp big concepts like: we are not our thoughts, compassionate witness/reflective listening, non-judgement and loving kindness.

Students can use the benefits from Social Emotional Learning and Mindfulness studies to be healthier and happier, while positively changing their schools for the better. Engagement with curriculum goes up without increasing stress.

Mindfulness is not a one time cure all. It is a daily journey back to presence for our students and ourselves.

If we can use our normal curriculum as a vehicle to improve students’ lives then we are succeeding.

Mental health first. Test scores second.